Dentistry

Without proper dental care, plaque and tartar build-up leads to periodontal disease, a condition that affects the tissues supporting your pet’s teeth. This can cause pain, tooth loss, difficulty eating, and other serious health issues. In addition, untreated dental disease can lead to bacteria entering the bloodstream, potentially affecting organs like the heart and kidneys.

Maintaining your pet’s dental health through regular check-ups, at-home dental care, and professional cleanings can help prevent these issues, ensuring your pet enjoys a pain-free, healthy life.

Common Signs of Dental Disease in Pets

Dental disease in pets can develop gradually, so it’s important to monitor for early signs. Here are the most common symptoms, listed in order of severity:

1. Yellow-brown Tartar Around the Gum Line
Visible plaque and tartar build-up, especially near the gum line, is one of the first signs of dental disease.
2. Inflamed, Red Gums (Gingivitis)
Swollen, red gums can indicate gum disease, which can progress if left untreated.
3. Bad Breath (Halitosis)
Persistent foul breath is often a result of bacterial build-up in the mouth, a key sign of dental disease.
4. Change in Eating or Chewing Habits (especially in cats)
Difficulty chewing, dropping food, or avoiding certain textures may indicate oral pain or
discomfort.
5. Pawing at the Face or Mouth
Pets may paw at their mouths or face to try to relieve discomfort caused by dental pain or inflammation.
6. Excessive Drooling
Increased saliva production, especially with a noticeable odour, may be a sign of advanced dental disease.

If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, it’s important to book an appointment with one of our veterinarians for a dental assessment. Early intervention can prevent further damage and help preserve your pet’s teeth, ensuring a healthier, pain-free life.

Preventing Dental Disease in Pets

Preventing dental disease in pets requires regular home care and good habits from an early age. By taking the following proactive steps, you can help your pet maintain healthy teeth and gums:

1. Brushing Teeth Daily
Just like humans, brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to maintain oral hygiene. Use a pet-specific toothbrush and toothpaste, as human toothpaste contains ingredients that may be toxic to pets if swallowed. Daily brushing helps remove plaque before it turns into tartar.

2. Feeding Raw, Meaty Bones or Dental Diets
Raw bones (not too fatty) and special dental diets can help naturally reduce tartar build up. Avoid feeding your pet wet or canned food exclusively, as it can stick to their teeth and contribute to plaque accumulation.

3. Dental Toys, Chews, and Teeth-Cleaning Biscuits
Provide your pet with dental toys, enzymatic chews, or specially formulated dental biscuits that help clean their teeth as they chew. These products are designed to reduce plaque and tartar while promoting healthy teeth and gums.

What Does a Professional Dental Clean Involve?

A professional dental cleaning for pets is similar to a scale and polish at a human dentist. However, since pets cannot sit still for a cleaning, they require general anaesthesia for a thorough and effective procedure. Here’s what to expect:

1. Veterinary Assessment
Before the cleaning, your pet will be examined to assess the extent of dental disease. This may include blood tests to ensure your pet is healthy enough for anaesthesia. The veterinarian will evaluate whether extractions or additional treatments, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication, are needed.

2. Cleaning Process
Once anaesthetised, your pet’s teeth will be thoroughly cleaned using specialised dental equipment, including an ultrasonic scaler to remove tartar above the gumline. The teeth will then be polished to smooth the surface and prevent further plaque build-up.

3. Extractions if Necessary
If some teeth are severely damaged or infected, they may need to be extracted. In cases of extraction, gum surgery may be required to close the wound, using dissolvable stitches.

4. Recovery and Aftercare
After the cleaning or extractions, your pet may receive an antibiotic and anti inflammatory injection. Most pets are able to go home the same day once they’ve recovered from anaesthesia.

5. Post-Cleaning Plan
After a professional dental clean, it’s crucial to implement a home care plan to prevent future tartar build-up. This may include regular brushing, feeding appropriate dental diets, or offering dental chews. We recommend follow-up examinations six months after the procedure to assess your pet’s oral health and adjust their care plan as needed.

What if My Pet Has Dental Disease?

If your pet shows signs of dental disease (such as bad breath, yellow-brown tartar, or inflamed gums), it’s essential to have their teeth examined by a veterinarian. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Examination
Your pet will need to be anaesthetised for a full dental examination. The veterinarian will chart the teeth, check for tartar, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and assess the health of the gums and teeth.
2. Thorough Cleaning
Tartar will be removed using an ultrasonic scaler, and the teeth will be polished to prevent further plaque build-up.
3. Extractions or Surgery if Necessary
In severe cases, teeth that cannot be saved will be extracted. Gum surgery may also be needed to repair any damage caused by infected teeth.
4. Ongoing Care
After the procedure, a long-term care plan will be established to reduce the risk of future dental disease, which may include daily brushing, special diets, and dental chews.
Regular check-ups will ensure your pet’s oral health is monitored and maintained.

Does My Pet Need Teeth Removed?

If your pet’s dental disease is severe, extractions may be necessary to relieve pain and prevent further infection. In many cases, pets feel significantly better after having problematic teeth removed, as the pain from decay or infection is eliminated. Pets often have a much improved quality of life once their dental issues are addressed.